SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The 47th Arizona Mid-Amateur Championship concluded Wednesday at Grayhawk Golf Club's Raptor Course with a dramatic comeback and a first-time champion.
Entering the final round five strokes behind the lead, Scott Cahill knew he would need something special to contend.
Patiently working his way up the leaderboard, Cahill caught fire on the front nine, carding birdies on holes 5, 6, 7 and 9 to move into a share of the lead at 5-under-par at the turn.
“This is a tough golf course so anything can really happen,” Cahill said. “Luckily I got off to a good start and kept it close around the turn. Next thing you know, coming down the stretch, I was right there at the top and was holding on from there.”
The championship's defining moment came at the par-3 16th hole. Tied with the leaders at 4-under-par, Cahill stamped his tee shot inside 10 feet, setting up a pivotal birdie opportunity.
“I had just started looking at the leaderboard so I knew being in that close, about five or six feet, that was maybe going to be one of my better opportunities in the closing stretch,” Cahill said. “Luckily I got it to go.”
The birdie gave Cahill the outright lead, and steady pars on holes 17 and 18 sealed the victory and his first AZ GOLF championship title.
“It’s a real treat to play this golf course,” Cahill said. “Obviously it has hosted the (NCAA) national championship several times. It’s definitely a true test of golf and I felt like it was great for us to be out here this week.”
The Raptor Course proved every bit the challenge AZ GOLF’s Competitions Team intended. Throughout the championship, only two holes (No. 7 and 18) played under par for the field, while competitors collectively recorded 1,158 bogeys or worse over the three-day event.
“Raptor Course will reward patience, perseverance and players committed to every shot,” said AZ GOLF Championships Manager Everett Priddy. “We wanted our best players to be in the ‘grinder’s mindset’ for all 54 holes.”
Operated by Arcis Golf, Grayhawk Golf Club's Raptor Course opened in 1995 and was designed by renowned architect Tom Fazio. The club’s championship pedigree and desert scenery made it an obvious target for this AZ GOLF major championship.
“The success of the 47th Arizona Mid-Amateur Championship would not have been possible without the incredible staff at Grayhawk Golf Club,” said AZ GOLF President John Souza. “Their professionalism, attention to detail and unwavering commitment to excellence throughout the week created a first-class experience for every player, volunteer and guest. We are deeply grateful for their hospitality and partnership in making this championship such a memorable event.”